
Class 
Book 



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Copyright 1*1°. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSnV 



4 

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The 

Pastor in the Sickroom 

A Handbook 

of 

Lessons and Prayers for the Visitation of the Sick 

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Compiled by C* A*^ o. r\ ct 








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St* Louist Mo* 

CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE 

1912 






Copyright, 1912, 

by 

CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE, 

St. Louis, Mo. 



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-' \\ The experienced pastor will protably in most cases 

t dispense Avith a maniial for the sickroom. From his 
Testament and Psalter he readilv selects the texts 
needed, and adds to these appropriate exhortations and 
prayers. This manner of dealing with the sick is the 
least formal and, when enriched with the skill resulting 
from years of conscientious work, perhaps the most 
effective. The young pastor, however, called to minister 
to the sick and dying, finds himself sadly deficient in 
the skill requisite for the successful performance of the 
work dictated by sympathy and duty. It is to offer 
some assistance to those, therefore, who w^ould equip 
themselves for doing; fullv and well their dutv in the 
sickroom that this Handbook has been written. The 
pastor in the sickroom should be what he is at all times, 
one who recalls sinners to a sense of their sinfulness, 
and comforts the penitent with the abundant consola- 
tions contained in the forgiveness of sins through the 
all-sufficient merits of Christ. The plan of this book, 
accordingly, presenting, in its lessons and prayers, first, 
^^admonition to repentance," and, secondly, ^^comfort in 
distress," is based upon the fundamental distinction in 
Holy Writ between the Law and the Gospel. It is 
hoped that the arrangement of the contents is suffi- 
ciently lucid to facilitate both detailed study and casual 
reference. The bulk of the prayers have been drawn 



— IV — . 

from the rich devotional treasures of the Church, on 
which for adequate utterance of the soul's perennial 
need it is hard to improve. The collection will not be 
considered too large when it is borne in mind that the 
aim of the book is not to be a merely mechanical aid^ 
but to present ample preparatory material for efficient 
ministration. The mind, imbued with the substance 
and form of these prayers, will experiefice little diffi- 
culty in producing from its store what each emergency 
demands. When the abilitv to do this has been ac- 
quired, the little book, having served its purpose and 
rendered itself superfluous, may be laid aside. — May 
the God of all consolations accompany its service with 
His blessing! 

C. A. 

St. Paul, Minn., March 31, 1912. 



LESSONS. ^,^^ 

PAGE 

A. Admonition to Repentance 1 

All Men's Works Are Sinful 1 

God's Displeasure at Sin 2 

God's Call to Repentance 2 

God's Anger at Man's Refusal to Repent 3 

B. Comfort in Distress 4 

I. Forgiveness of Sin through Faith in Christ 4 

II. God's Providential Care 7 

1. Afflictions Are under God's Direction 8 

2. Afflictions Are to Promote Man's Welfare 8 

3. Afflictions Serve to Glorify God 10 

4. God's Gracious Presence and Help in Affliction. ... 11 

5. Trust in God in Affliction 13 

III. The Hope of Eternal Deliverance and Joy 14 

Morning Prayer 17 

Evening Prayer 17 

Before an Operation 18 

Thanksgiving for Recovery 18 

GENERAL PRAYERS. 

In Behalf of a Sick Child 27 

The Forgiveness of Sin 29 

For Persons Troubled in Conscience 33 

Submission and Trust 34 

The Prospect of Death 43 

The Hour of Departure 49 

The Communion of the Sick 54 

The Confession 55 

Absolution 56 




:oQe3C3GGe3oe3e3e3Q 



LESSONS. 





PSALMS. 

6; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143; — 39; 90. 

LESSONS. 

Punishments: Gen. 6—8; 11, 1—9; 19; Ex. 7—12; 
Num. 16; 21; 1 Sam. 15; 2 Sam. 18, 9—17; 24; 
1 Kings 21; 2 Kings 5, 20—27; Prov. 1, 24—31; Dan. 
5; Jonah 1; Luke 12, 16—21; 16, 19—31. 

Contemplation of Death : Job 14, 1 — 5 ; Eccl. 12, 
1—7; Is. 40, 6—8; Matt. 25, 1—13; 2 Pet. 3, 8—14. 

SENTENCES. 

All Men's Works Are Sinful. 

There is not one that doeth good, no, not one. Ps. 
14, 3. 

Who can imderstand his errors? Cleanse Thon me 
from secret faults. Ps. 19, 12. 

Enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in 
Thy sight shall no man living be justified. Ps. 143, 2. 

There is not a just man npon earth that doeth good 
and sinneth not. Eccl. 7, 20. 

We are all as an nnclean thing, and all our right- 
eousnesses are as filthy rags. Is. 64, 6. 

I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth 
no good thing. Eom. 7, 18. 
1 



Whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend 
in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2, 10. 

Turn Thou me, and I shall be turned ; for Thou art 
the Lord, my God. Jer. 31, 18. 

I 

God's Displeasure at Sin. 

Thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness, 
neither shall evil dwell with Thee. Ps. 5, 4. 

Your iniquities have separated between you and your 
God, and your sins have hid His face from you. Is. 59, 2. 

The wages of sin is death. Eom. 6, 23. 

God's Call to Repentance. 

Depart from evil, and do good ; seek peace, and pur- 
sue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, 
and His ears are open unto their cry. Ps. 34, 14. 15. 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a broken 
and a contrite heart, God, Thou wilt not despise. 
Ps. 51, 17. 

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but 
whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 
Prov. 28, 13. 

Rejoice, young man, in thy youth, and let thy 
heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in 
the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; 
but know thou that for all these things God will bring 
thee into judgment. Eccl. 11, 9. 

Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call ye 
upon Him while He is near ! Let the wicked forsake 
his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and 
let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy 
upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly 
pardon. Is. 55, 6. 7. 



Eetiirn^ thou backsliding Israel^, saith the Lord, and 
I will not cause mine anger to fall upon yon; for I am 
merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger 
forever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou 
hast transgressed against the Lord, thy God. Jer. 3, 
12. 13. 

As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure 
in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked mav 
turn from his wav and live. Ezek. 33, 11. 

Eepent ye ; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ! 
Matt. 3, 2. 

The times of this ignorance God winked at, but 
now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. Acts 
17, 30. 

Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and for- 
bearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the good- 
ness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Eom. 2, 4. 

God's Anger at Man's Refusal to Repent. 

God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with 
the wicked every day. If he turn not. He will whet 
His sword; He hath bent His bow and made it ready. 
Ps. 7, 11. 12. 

Now consider this, j^e that forget God, lest I tear 
you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Ps. 50, 22. 

Ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would 
none of my reproof : I also will laugh at your calamity ; 
I will mock when your fear cometh. Prov. 1, 25. 26. 

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and 
before honor is humilitv. Prov. 18, 12. 

God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the 
humble. James 4, 6. • 



B. OInmfnrt in Statr^SB* 

I. FORGIVENESS OF SIN THROUGH FAITH 

IN CHRIST. 

PSALMS. 
25; 40; 103. 

LESSONS. 

2 Sam. 12, 1—13; Jonah 3; Matt. 9, 1—8; Luke 
7,36—50; 15,1—10.11—32; John 14; 15; 16; 17; 
Eom. 3, 23—28; 5, 6—11; 10, 9—13. 

SENTENCES. 

The Lord, yonr God, is gracious and merciful, and 
will not turn away His face from you if ye return unto 
Him. 2 Chron. 30, 9. 

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the 
Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as 
white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they 
shall be as wool. Is. 1, 18. 

A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking 
flax shall He not quench. Is. 42, 3. 

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgres- 
sions, and, as a cloud, thy sins. Eeturn unto me, for 
I have redeemed thee. Is. 44, 22. 

Surely, He hath borne our griefs and carried our 
sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of 
God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our trans- 
gressions. He was bruised for our iniquities; the chas- 
tisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His 
stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone 
astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and 



the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of ns all. Is. 
53, 4—6. 

Thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth 
eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and 
holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and 
humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and 
to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not 
contend forever, neither will I be always wroth. Is. 57, 
15. 16. 

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be 
joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the 
garments of salvation. He hath covered me with the 
robe of righteousness. Is. 61, 10. 

To this man will I look, even to him that is poor 
and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my Word. 
Is. 66, 2. 

The just shall live by his faith. Hab. 2, 4. 

He said unto them, Thev that be whole need not a 
physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn 
what that meaneth, I will have mercv, and not sacrifice : 
for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to 
repentance. Matt. 9, 12. 13. 

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest. Matt. 11, 28. :^ 

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh awav the 
sin of the world. John 1, 29. 

God so loved the world that He gave His only-be- 
gotten Son, that whosoever belie veth in Him should 
not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3, 16. 

Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 
John 6, 37. 

I am the Wav, the Truth, and the Life : no man 
cometh unto the Father but bv me. John 14, 6. 



— 6 — 

This is life eternal^ that they might know Thee the 
only true God, and Jesns Christ whom Thou hast sent. 
John 17, 3. 

Neither is there salvation in any other; for there 
is none other name under heaven given among men 
wherebv we must be saved. Acts 4, 12. 

God commendeth His love toward ns in that,, while 
we were vet sinners, Christ died for ns. Eom. 5, 8. 

Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. 
Eom. 5, 20. 

Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to 
every one that believeth. Eom. 10, 4. 

God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Him- 
self, not imputing their trespasses unto them. 2 Cor. 
5, 19. 

He hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no 
sin, that Ave might be made the righteousness of God 
in Him. 2 Cor. 5, 21. 

Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, 
though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor 
that ye through His poverty might be rich. 2 Cor. 8, 9. 

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, 
being made a curse for us. Gal. 3, 13. 

AVhen the fullness of the time was come, God sent 
forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the Law, 
to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might 
receive the adoption of sons. Gal. 4, 4. 5. 

This is a faithful sajdng, and worthy of all accep- 
tation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save 
sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Tim. 1, 15. 

There is one God, and one Mediator between God 
and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a 
ransom for all. 1 Tim. 2, 5. 6. 



Forasmuch^ then^, as the children are partakers of 
flesh and bloody He also Himself likewise took part 
of the samO;, that through death He might destroy him 
that had the power of deaths that is^ the devil; and 
deliver them .who through fear of death were all their 
lifetime subject to bondage. Hebr. 2, 14. 15. 

The blood of Jesus Christy His Son^ cleanseth us 
from all sin. 1 John 1^ 7. 

If we confess our sins^ He is faithful and just to 
forgive us our sins^ and to cleanse us from all unright- 
eousness. 1 John 1, 9. • 

If an}^ man sin^ we have an Advocate with the 
Father^ Jesus Christ the Bighteous. And He is the 
propitiation for our sins^ and not for ours only, but 
also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2, 1. 2. 

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be- 
stowed ui3on us, that we should be called the sons 
of God ! 1 John 3,1. 

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He 
loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for 
our -sins. 1 John 4, 9. 10. 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if anv man 
hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, 
and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 3, 20. 

II. GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL CARE. 

PSALMS. 

13; 23; 27; 30; 34; 42; 46; 62; 91; 103; 104; 121; 

130; 143. 

LESSONS. 

Job 1, 20—22; Eccl. 7, 1—4; Is. 49, 13—16; 
54, 7—10; Jer. 29, 11—13; Lam. 3, 18—33; Matt. 7, 
7—11; 8, 1—13; Luke 11, 1—13; John 5, 1—14; 



— 8 — 

10, 7—16; 19, 25—27; Kom. 5, 1—5; 8; 2 Cor. 12, 
7—10; Hebr. 12, 5—12; James 1, 2—12; 5, 7—11; 
1 Pet. 4, 12—19. 

SENTEI^CES. 

I. AfBlictions Are under God's Direction. 

Who hath made man^s mouth, or who maketh the 
dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not 
I, the Lord? Ex. 4, 11. 

The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: He bringeth 
down to the grave, and bringeth up. 1 Sam. 2, 6. 

I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the 
light, and create darkness : I make peace, and create 
evil: I, the Lord, do all these things. Is. 45, 6. 7. 

Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when 
the Lord commandeth it not? Lam. 3, 37. 

Come, and let ns return unto the Lord ; for He hath 
torn, and He will heal ; He hath smitten, and He will 
bind us up. Hos. 6, 1. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one 
of them shall not fall on the ground without your 
Father. But the very hairs of your head are all num- 
bered. Matt. 10, 29. 30. 

2. Afflictions Are to Promote Man's Welfare. 

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; 
neither be weary of His correction; for whom the Lord 
loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom 
he delighteth. Prov. 3, 11. 12. 

We know that all things work together for good to 
them that love God. Eom. 8, 28. 

As many as I love I rebuke and chasten; be zealous 
therefore and repent! Eev. 3, 19. 



— 9 — 

Seeking God. 
Before I was afflicted^, I went astray; but now have 
I kept Thy Word. It is good for me that I have been 
afflicted^ that I might learn Thy statutes. Ps. 119, 
67. 71. 

Lord^ in trouble have they visited Thee ; they poured 
out a prayer when Thy chastening was upon them. 
Is. 26, 16. 

Faith u:n^der Trial. 

Be still, and know that I am God! Ps. 46, 10. 

Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker ! Let 
the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. 
Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What 
makest thou ? or Thy work. He hath no hands ? Is. 45, 9. 

Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; 
I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Is. 48, 10. 

We glory in tribulation also, knowing that tribula- 
tion worketh patience; and patience, experience; and 
experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; be- 
cause the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts bv 
the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Eom. 5, 3 — 5. 

I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor 
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things 
present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor 
any other creature, shall be able to separate us from 
the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 
Eom. 8, 38. 39. 

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, 
if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temp- 
tations, that the trial of your faith, being much more 
precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried 
with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and 
glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 1, 6. 7. 



— 10 — 

Following Christ in Suffering. 

Then said Jesus unto His disciples^ If any man will 
come after me^ let him deny himself^ and take up his 
cross^ and follow me. Matt. 16, 24. 

As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our 
consolation also aboundeth bv Christ. 2 Cor. 1, 5. 

Let us run with patience the race that is set before 
us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of 
our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him en- 
dured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down 
at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebr. 12, 1. 2. 

Separation from the World. 

When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, 
that we should not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor. 
11, 32. 

Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, 
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, 
but at the things which are not seen; for the things 
which are seen are temporal, but the things which are 
not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4, 17. 18. 

Forasmuch, then, as Christ hath suffered for us in 
the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; 
for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from 
sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time 
in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 
1 Pet. 4, 1. 2. 

3. Afflictions Serve to Glorify God. 

This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory 
of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 
John 11, 4. 



— 11 — 

Xone of us liveth to himself^ and no man dietli to 
himself. For whether we live^ we live "onto the Lord; 
and whether we die, we die nnto the Lord. Eom. 14, 7. 8. 

4. God's Gracious Presence and Help in Affliction. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; 
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23, 4. 

Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear 
Him, upon them that hope in His mercy, to deliver 
their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 
Onr soul waiteth for the Lord; He is our help and 
onr shield. Ps. 33, 18—20. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the 
Lord delivereth him out of them all. Ps. 34, 19. 

He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto 
God the Lord belong the issues from death. Ps. 68, 20. 

My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the 
strength of my heart and my portion forever. Ps. 73, 26. 

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will 
I deliver him : I will set him on high, because he hath 
known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will 
answer him : I will be with him in trouble ; I will 
deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I 
satisfy him, and show him my salvation. Ps. 91, 14 — 16. 

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not 
despise their prayer. Ps. 102, 17. 

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord 
pitieth them that fear Him. Ps. 103, 13. 

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, 
to all that call upon Him in truth. Ps. 145, 18. 

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their 



— 12 



strength; they shall mount np with wings as eagles; 
they shall run and not be weary^ and they shall walk 
and not faint. Is. 40, 31. 

Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, 
for I am thj^ God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will 
help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand 
of my righteousness. Is. 41, 10. 

Even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar 
hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; 
even I will carry, and will deliver you. Is. 46, 4. 

Behold, the Lord^s hand is not shortened, that it 
cannot save ; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. 
Is. 59, 1. 

In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel 
of His presence saved them. In His love and in His 
pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and car- 
ried them all the days of old. Is. 63, 9. 

The Lord is good, a strong hold in. the day of 
trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. 
Nah. 1, 7. 

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest. Matt. 11, 28. 

Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the 
world. Matt. 28, 20. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall 
ask the Father in my name, He will give it you. John 
16, 23. 

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities ; 
for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, 
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with 
groanings which cannot be uttered. Eom. 8, 26. 

If God be for us, who can be against us? He that 
spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us 



— 13 — 

all^ liow shall He not with Him also freely give us all 
things? Eom. 8, 31. 32. 

God is faithful^ who will not suffer yon to be tempted 
above that ye are able^ bnt will with the temptation also 
make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 
1 Cor. 10, 13. 

5. Trust in God in Affliction. 

I have set the Lord always before me; because He 
is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Ps. 16, 8. 

Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast 
redeemed me, Lord God of truth ! Ps. 31, 5. 

Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, 
and He shall bring it to pass. Ps. 37, 5. 

Why art thou cast down, my soul, and why art 
thou disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall 
yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance 
and my God. Ps. 43, 5. 

Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver 
thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Ps. 50, 15. 

Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is 
none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh 
and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my 
heart and my portion forever. Ps. 73, 25. 26. 

Eemember the Word unto Thy servant upon which 
Thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in 
my affliction; for Thy Word hath quickened me. Ps. 
119, 49. 50. . 

Thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: 
In returning and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and 
in confidence shall be your strength. Is. 30, 15. 

He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall 
be saved. Matt. 24, 13. 



— 14 — 

And He said unto me^, My grace is sidBEicient for 
thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmi- 
ties^ that the power of Christ may rest npon me. 
2 Cor. 12, 9. 

I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded 
that He is able to keep that which I have committed 
nnto Him against that day. 2 Tim. 1, 12. 

This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, 
if we ask anything according to His will. He heareth ns. 
1 John 5, 14. 

III. THE HOPE OF ETERNAL DELIVERANCE 

AND JOY. 

PSALMS. 
• 116; 126. 

LESSONS. 

Job 19, 25—27; Ezek. 37, 1—14; Matt. 9, 18. 19. 
23—26; 25,34—40; 28,1—10; Luke 7, 11— 16; 24, 
1_6; John 5, 19—29; 11, 1—46; 14, 1—6; Eom. 
8^ 16—25. 31—39; 1 Cor. 15, 12—26. 39—58; 2 Cor. 
4, 7—18; 5, 1—10; Phil. 3, 8—11; Col. 3, 1—4; 
1 Thess. 4, 13—18; Eev. 7, 9—17; 19, 5—9; 21, 1—7, 
10—13. 22—27; 22, 1—6. 

SENTENCES. 

The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come 
to Zion with songs and everlasting joy npon their heads ; 
they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sigh- 
ing shall flee away. Is. 35, 10. 

The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to 
heart; and merciful men are taken away, none con- 



— 15 — 

sideling that the righteous is taken away from the evil 
to come. He shall enter into peace. Is. 57, 1. 2. 

Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth 
shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame 
and everlasting contempt. Dan. 12, 2. 

As touching the dead that they rise : have ye not read 
in the book of Moses how in the bush God spake unto 
him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God 
of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of 
the dead, but the God of the living. Mark 12, 26. 27. 

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, 
according to Thy Word; for mine eyes have seen Thy 
salvation which Thou hast prepared before the face of 
all people ; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory 
of Thy people Israel. Luke 2, 29—32. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my 
Word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath ever- 
lasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but 
is passed from death to life. John 5, 2-1. 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they 
follow^ me ; and I give them eternal life ; and they shall 
never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of 
my hand. John 10, 27. 28. 

Jesus said unto her, I am the Eesurrection, and the 
Life : he that believeth in me, though he were dead, 
yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in 
me shall never die. John 11, 25. 26. 

Father, I will that thev also w^hom Thou hast sriven 
me be w^ith me where I am, that they may behold my 
glory which Thou has given me. John 17, 24. 

Death, where is thy sting? Grave, where is 
thy victory ? The sting of death is sin ; and the strength 



— 16 — 

of sin is the Law. But thanks be to God which giveth 
US the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 
15, 55—57. 

For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. PhiL 
1, 21. 

Our conversation is in heaven, from whence also I 

we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesns Christ, who shall 
change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto 
His glorious body, according to the working whereby 
He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. 
Phil. 3, 20. 21. 

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my 
course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid 
up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the 
righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not 
to me only, but unto all them also that love His ap- 
pearing. 2 Tim. 4, 7. 8. 

The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and 
will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom : to whom 
be glory forever and ever ! Amen. 2 Tim. 4, 18. 

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of 
God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath 
ceased from his own works as God did from His. Let 
us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest ! Hebr. 4, 
9—11. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a 
crown of life. Eev. 2, 10. 

I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, 
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence- 
forth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from 
their labors; and their works do follow them. Eev. 
14, 13. 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; 



— 17 — 

and there sliall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor 
erying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the 
former things are passed away. Bev. 21, 4. 

Morning Prayer. 

Thon faithful God, and Father of onr Lord Jesus 

Christ, I give Thee thanks that Thou hast this night 

so graciously preserved, protected, and strengthened 

me, and I pray Thee, in the name of Jesus, that Thou 

wouldst keep me this day also and all the days of my 

pilgrimage. Forgive me my sin, comfort me with Thy 

grace, strengthen me through Thy power^ and lead me 

by Thy Holy Spirit that I may be ready and willing 

to live and to suffer according to Thy will. I commend 

my weak bodv and mv precious soul into Thv holy 

hands. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the wicked 

foe may have no power over me. All this I ask for 

the sake of Jesus Christ, my only comfort and Savior. 

Amen. 

Evening Prayer. 

Almighty and merciful God, loving Father, Thou 

hast said : 'Tall upon me in the day of trouble, I will 

deliver thee;'^ I now call upon Thee; have mercy upon 

me, and forgive all my sins with which I have this 

day offended Thee. Take me into Thy keeping this 

nififht, that mv bodv and soul mav rest in Thee. If 

it be Thy will, let me sleep without pain of body or 

sorrow of soul, and grant me again to see the light of 

day. But if according to Thine unsearchable counsel 

this is to be my last night on earth, I beseech Thee to 

receive me into the blessed day of Thy presence. Into 

Thy hand I commit my spirit, for Thou hast redeemed 

me, Lord God of truth ! In the name of Jesus. x\men. 
2 



— 18 — 

Before an Operation. 

My Lord and mj^ God^ as Thou hast been pleased to 
prostrate me upon this bed of sickness and pain in 
peril of deaths even so Thou art able to raise me np 
that I may live before Thee. I confess that by my sins 
I have deserved^ not only these present sufferings, but 
everlasting torments. But I turn to Thee with a con- 
trite heart and true faith in Thy Son, Jesus Christ, the 
Eighteous, who is the propitiation for our sins and our 
Advocate before Tlw throne. For His sake be gracious 
unto me, a poor unworthy sinner, and have mercy also 
upon my bodily distress. Make haste to help me, 
Lord, my salvation ! Be pleased, Lord, to deliver 
me ! In Thee alone do I hope and trust. Bestow Thy 
divine blessing, I beseech Thee, upon the rightful means 
which I am about to employ for my recovery. Do thou 
guide the hands that exercise their skill upon me, that 
without mishap the operation may be successfully con- 
cluded. Encompass me with Thy presence and strengthen 
me in the perilous hour, that I may be conscious only 
of Thee and by Thy gracious help be restored to health. 
May Thy hand uphold me, Thy grace comfort me, and 
Thy Holy Spirit refresh me, for Jesus Christ^s sake. 
Amen. 

Thanksgiving for Recovery. 

1. 

God, who art the Giver of life, of health, and of 
safety : we bless Thy name that Thou hast been pleased 
to deliver this Thy servant from Ids bodily sickness. 
Gracious art Thou, Lord, and full of compassion to 
the children of men. Mav his heart be dulv impressed 
with a sense of Thy merciful goodness, and may lie 



— 19 — 

devote the residue of his days to an humble, holy, and 
obedient walking before Thee^ through Jesus Christy, 
our Lord. Amen. 

2. 
Great and mighty God, who bringest down to the 
graye and bringest up again, we bless Thy wonderful 
goodness for haying turned our heaviness into joy and 
our mourning into gladness by restoring this our hr oilier 
to some de^ee of liis former health. Blessed be Thy 
name that Thou didst not forsake A u?2 in liis sickness, 
but didst visit liim with comforts from above, didst 
support liim in patience and submission to Thy will, 
and at last didst send liim seasonable relief. Perfect, 
we beseech Thee, this Thv mercv towards liim, and 
prosper the means which shall be made use of for liis 
cure, that, being restored to health of bod}^, vigor of 
mind, and cheerfulness of spirit, lie may be able to go 
to Thv house and bless Thv holv name for all Thv 
goodness towards liim, through Jesus Christ, our Savior, 
to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor 
and glorj^, world without end. Amen. 

3. 

I thank Thee, Lord, almighty God, for the fatherly 
chastisement and correction wherewith Thou hast visited 
me on account of mv sins. I now realize that my sick- 
ness was not unto death, but that Thou, my Lord Jesus 
Christ, mightest thereby be glorified. For Thou hast 
had mercy upon me, cast all my sins behind Thee, and 
preserved my life. I give Thee hearty thanks for re- 
newing my strength and enabling me to go again to 
Thy holy temple and about the duties of my calling. 
It is of Thy mercies, Lord, that I have not long since 



— 20 — 

perished and been consumed. I will evermore remember 
Thy chastening. I will fear Thee all my life and not 
willfully provoke Thine anger. Grant also that^ with 
my health renewed^ I may now begin a new life. Help 
me daily to glorify Thy name and to let Thy praise 
be continually in my month. Guide me by Thy Holy 
Spirit^ that I may live to Thine honor^ not yielding my 
members as instruments of unrighteousness to serve sin^ 
but as instruments of righteousness to serve Thee^ to 
whom alone be worship and glory and praise, world with- 
out end. iVmen. 






GENERAL PRAYERS. 



Almighty God^ who forgivest the iniquities of Thy 
people and healest all their diseases^ who hast proclaimed 
Thy name to be the Lord that healeth ns^ and hast 
sent Thy well-beloved Son to bear our sicknesses : look 
down upon ns^ Thine unworthy servants^ who humble 
ourselves before Thee and acknowledge that we have 
justly deserved Thine anger. We beseech Thee to have 
mercy upon us and to pardon and forgive us^ and of 
Thy loving-kindness to remove the plague of sickness^, 
the judgment of Thy hands^ with which Thou hast 
visited us; and this we ask for the honor of Thy name^ 
through Jesus Christy our Lord. Amen. 



Lord^ look down from heaven^, behold^ visit, and 
relieve this Thy servant ! Look upon liim with the eyes 
of Thy mercy, give him comfort and sure confidence in 
Thee, defend him from the danger of the enemy, and 
keep him in perpetual peace and safety, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our 
only help in time of need, look down from heaven, we 
humbly beseech Thee, behold, visit, and relieve this Thy 
sick servant. Look upon him with the eves of Thv 
mercy, comfort him with a sense of Thy goodness, pre- 
serve him from the temptations of the enemy, give him 
patience under his affliction, and in Thy good time re- 
store him to health and enable him to finish his earthlv 



— 22 — 

course in Thy fear and to Thy glory. If it should please 
Thee, however, at this time to call him hence, strengthen 
in him the faith which overcometh, and grant him at 
last the end of faith, even the salvation of his soul, 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



Lord God, merciful Father, whose every provi- 
dence is love, we pray Thee most earnestly in behalf of 
him whom it hath pleased Thee to visit with bodily 
illness. Let this dispensation of Thy grace tend to Thy 
sflorv and his welfare. If it be Thv will, deliver him 
from his pains, and graciously permit him soon to re- 
cover and do the work of his calling into which Thou 
hast placed him. But above all things, let Thy Holy 
Spirit preserve in him the. true faith in Thy beloved 
Son Jesus Christ, an unshaken confidence in Thy love, 
and unmurmuring patience in his infirmities. Take 
his soul into Thy keeping, and grant him a happy issue 
out of his affliction. This we ask for the sake of our 
dear Savior. Amen. 

Lord, look down upon us as we pray to Thee in 
our distress. Have merc}^ on Thy servant who is laid 
on a bed of sickness. Believe his body if Thou seest it 
good for him^ and ease his pain. Give him patience, and 
bless him with the comfort of Thy presence, that he 
may know and feel that Thou dost not afflict willingly. 
Lord, plead Thou the cause of his soul, do Thou redeem 
his life. Let his eyes see the King in His beauty, and 
behold the land that is very far off. Make Thine angels 
to encamp around him that no dark thoughts of doubt 
or sin may assail him; but may Thy Holy Spirit help 
his infirmities and make intercession for him, according 



— 23 — 

to Thy will^ that so all the sins of liis past life may be 
forgiven and an entrance ministered abundantly to 
liim in Thy heavenly kingdom^ for Jesns Christ's sake. 
Amen. 

Almighty God^ the Father of mercies and the God 
of all consolation^ onr only help in time of need^ hear 
■QS in behalf of Thy servant for whom we desire to pray. 
We look np nnto Thee^ Thon compassionate Savior, 
who wast Thyself a man of sorrows and acquainted 
with grief. Thou^, who didst weep at the tomb of 
Lazarus and art still touched with the feeling of our 
infirmities^ pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts, 
and gracious^ look upon our afflictions ! Thou, who 
of old didst cure all manner of sickness and all manner 
of diseases among the people, be gracious unto us ! Let 
not this sickness be unto death, but for the glory of 
Thy name. Speak the word only, and Thy servant 
shall be healed. Have mercy upon liim, Lord; have 
mercy npon him, and not on liim only, but on us also, 
lest we should have sorrow upon sorrow. If it be 
possible, let this cup pass away from us, without our 
drinking all its bitterness ; but if not. Thy will be done. 
Only be pleased to sanctify this Thy fatherly correction 
to liim, that, if it should be Thy good pleasure to restore 
liim to his former health, lie mav lead the residue of 
his life in Thy fear and to Thy glory; or else give 
him grace so to take Thy visitation that, after this 
painful life is ended, he may dwell with Thee in life 
everlasting. Grant this for Jesus Christ^s sake ! Amen. 



blessed Lord, the Father of mercies and God of 
all consolation, we beseech Thee, look down with in- 



— 24 — 

finite pity and and compassion upon this Thy sick 
sprvant. Remember the sharpness and weariness of 
his pains. Break not the bruised reed^ nor quench 
the smoking flax^ but make him to hear joy and glad- 
ness^ that the bones which Thou hast broken may re- 
joice. Deliver him from the snares and temptations of 
Satan; from all impatience and repining at Thy chas- 
tisement; from all unbelief and distrust in Thy mer- 
cies; from improper fears of death and immoderate 
desires of life. Grant unto him sincere repentance for 
his sins and perfect assurance that they have been for- 
given and his complete salvation secured through the 
atoning sacrifice and effectual mediation of our Lord 
and Savior Jesus Christ. Sanctify to him all his afflic- 
tions^ and^ though very grievous to the fleshy may they 
begin even now to work out for him sl far more exceed- 
ing and an eternal weight of glory. Prepare him for 
all that Thou hast prepared for him. Give him to see 
the desire of his heart in the well-being and the well- 
doing of all bound to him by the ties of natural affection. 
And at last give to him an abundant entrance into 
Thy heavenly home. blessed Jesus^ we cast ourselves 
upon Thy mercy : by Thy cross and passion^ by Thy 
precious death and burial^ by Thy glorious resurrection 
and ascension^ and by the coming of the Holy Ghost, 
deliver us, Lord, and hear our prayer ! Amen. 



Lord God, in whose hand is the soul of every 
living thing and the breath of all mankind, and to 
whom belong the issues of life and death: look down 
in great mercy, we beseech Thee, upon this Thy .servant 
whom Thou hast been pleased to visit with bodily afflic- 



— 25 — 

Ttion and disease. Be graciously nigh unto him with 
'Thy divine help^, according to all his circumstances of 
need. Let his sickness be for Thy glory, whether it be 
in the way of recovery or in the way of death. Grant 
unto him, we beseech Thee, true repentance for all 
his sins, with a firm and steadv trust in the merits of 
Thy Son Jesus Christ, who is the propitiation for the 
sins of the world. May he be found in Him, not having 
his own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that 
which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness 
which is of God bv faith. Mav he have o^race to be in 
full charity with all men. Enable him to roll all his 
<3ares upon Thine arm, and to yield himself with child- 
like submission into Thv hands. Thus mav he learn 
righteousness and glorify Thy great name, by the suffer- 
ing through which he is called to pass. We pray that 
it may please Thee to bless the means which are em- 
ployed for his restoration to health, that, if it be Thy 
will, he mav vet rise from this sickness to serve Thee 
and show forth Thy praise in the land of the living. 
Lord Jesus, who in the days of Thy flesh didst rebuke 
disease and make whole such as were sick, and who 
hast now all power in heaven and on earth, mercifully 
hear us in his behalf, have compassion upon him, and 
spare him. But if this may not be, then grant Thou 
unto him, most merciful Father, a better deliverance 
and a far more glorious salvation at last in Thy heav- 
enly kingdom. Give liim full preparation for death. 
In all his affliction let the arms of Thine everlasting 
love be under liim and round about ]\im. When heart 
and flesh fail, be Thou the strength of his heart and 
the stay of his life. L^phold and support him by Thy 
heavenly grace through all his conflict with the last 



— 26 — 

enenw; and finally receive him to Thyself that lie may 
dwell with Thee for evermore; through the mediation 
and merits of Thine only Son^ onr Lord. Amen. 



Almighty and everlasting God^, our merciful Father 
in heaven^ Thon Lord of life and death^ who hast prom- 
ised to hear ns when Ave call npon Thee in the day of 
trouble: we come before Thy presence in behalf of this 
Thy servant vfhom in Thine inscrutable providence Thou 
hast visited with dangerous illness. We beseech Thee, 
have mercy upon this our hr other, and grant him grace 
to see Thy fatherly hand in the cross laid upon him. 
Teach him that all his present pains are as nothing com- 
pared with those eternal torments which he hath de- 
served by his sins^ and that this present affliction is 
designed to promote the glory of Thy name and the sal- 
vation of his soul. Give him a due sense of the sinful- 
ness of his lif e^ turn his heart to Thee^ comfort him with 
the forgiveness of sins by faith in Christ Jesus^ and 
strengthen and keep hi'm by Thy holy Word and Sacra- 
ment in trial and temptation. Help him to trust in Thy 
mercy, that he may remain patient and steadfast and in 
the hours of darkness and sorrow experience the power 
of Thy heavenly consolations. Let the bitter sufferings 
of Thy beloved Son be his comfort and strength in his 
weakness and distress. Thou art a God who workest 
wonders. We beseech Thee, therefore, be pleased to do 
unto him, by Thine almighty power, according to our 
prayer. Lay Thy hand upon him that it may be well 
with him. Ease and relieve his pains, and, if it so be 
profitable for his soul, command this sickness to leave 
him. Grant that he may rise again from this sickbed, 
recover from his affliction, and be restored to his former 



— 27 — 

health;, to the end that lie may thank and praise Thy 
holy name for Ms deliverance and joyfully serve Thee 
and liis neighbor all liis days. Bnt^ Lord^ Thy will be 
done ! li he hath reached thfe bounds appointed for 
liim, prepare liim for a peaceful and blessed departure, 
and enable him to commit his soul willingly and trust- 
ingly into Thy faithful hands. Hear us^ Lord, for the 
sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ ! z^men. 

In Behalf of a Sick Child. 

1. 

almighty, merciful God and Father, we beseech 
Thee, Thou wouldst have mercy upon this child, which 
in Baptism Thou hast received as Thine own, and glad- 
den the hearts of its parents by graciously preserving its 
life and restoring it to health. If it please Thee, how- 
ever, to receive it into Thy heavenly kingdom, grant it 
a peaceful departure, and vouchsafe Thy grace unto the 
parents that they may humbly submit themselves to the 
dispensation of Thy fatherly will and comfort themselves 
with the blessed assurance that their child is living in 
Thy presence, and that they shall find it again in the 
joy of eternal life. Grant this for the sake of Jesus 
Christ, Thy Son ! Amen. 

2. 

almighty God and merciful Father, to whom alone 
belong the issues of life and death, look down from 
heaven, we humbly beseech Thee, with the eyes of mercy 
upon this child now lying upon the bed of sickness. 
Visit him, Lord, with Thy salvation; deliver him 
in Thy good appointed time from his bodily pain; and 
save his soul for Thy mercies' sake, that, if it shall be 



— 28 — 

Thy pleasure to prolong his days here on earthy he may 
live to Thee and be an instrument of Thy glory by serv- 
ing Thee faithfully and doing good in his generation. 
But if in the counsels o*f Thy will, which are only good, 
devising what is best for him, best for us, and most 
for Thy glory, it should please Thee to remove him from 
this present life, we beseech Thee, receive him into those 
heavenly habitations where the souls of those who sleep 
in the Lord Jesus enjoy perpetual rest and felicity. 
Grant this, Lord, for Thy mercies^ sake, in the name 
of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and 
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, 
world without end. Amen. 

3. 

Lord Jesus, Thou faithful and merciful Savior, have 
mercy upon us, and graciously look upon this sick child. 
Thou didst heal the nobleman^s son when the father 
besought Thee, and didst raise up the daughter of Jairus. 
Therefore we look to Thy mercy and implore Thee Thou 
w^ouldst in like manner now manifest unto us Thy glory 
through Thine almighty help. Thou Good Shepherd, 
look with favor upon this Thy poor lamb ! Thou, 
ivho art the Friend of little children, and dost love them, 
and hast promised them the blessed inheritance of Thy 
heavenly kingdom, have mercy upon this child ! It is 
Thine ; in holy Baptism Thou hast received it and added 
it to Thine inheritance. Withdraw not Thv hand from 
that which is Thine own ! Lord, if to prolong its life 
be expedient for the child and its parents, grant it to 
them once more, and restore it to vigor and health, and 
we will praise Thee for Thy mercy. If Thou art "pleased, 
however, to remove it out of this evil and sinful world 



— 29 — 

and to bring it to Thine everlasting peace and the com- 
panj^ of Thine electa Thy will be done. Do Thou then 
strengthen the faith of its parents and friends that they 
may humbly submit themselves to the dispensation of 
Thy wise providence and say with Job : ^^The Lord 
gave^, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the 
name of the Lord V' Amen. 

The Forgiveness of Sin. 

Almighty and everlasting Father^ the God of all 
grace^ who forgivest the sins of the penitent^ we beseech 
Thee^ create in this sick brother a contrite hearty that, 
deploring his transgressions and acknowledging his 
wretchedness, he may obtain perfect remission, through 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



holy and righteous God, who settest our iniquities 
before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy counte- 
nance: we have done evil in Thy sight, our conscience 
doth condemn us, our sin cannot be denied. Grant, 
therefore, we beseech Thee, that we mav not seek to hide 
ourselves from Thee, but make a sincere confession of 
our sins. And do Thou, according to Thy promise, for- 
give us our trespasses and cleanse us from all unright- 
eousness, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, 
our onlv Savior. Amen. 



Almighty and everlasting God and Father, through 
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, have mercy upon us, and grant 
and increase in us Thy Holy Spirit, that we may rightly 
know and lament our sins, and with true faith embrace 
and receive Thy grace and forgiveness through Christ, 



— 30 — 

to the end that we mav more and more die nnto sin, 
live to Thee in newness of life, and ever serve and please 
Thee, through Jesus Christ, oiir Lord and Savior. Amen. 



God, onr heavenly Father, Thou hast promised us 
through Thy Son : *^Tf two of you shall agree on earth 
as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be 
done for them.^^ We beseech Thee, therefore, in behalf 
of this Thy servant, who, having been baptized in the 
name of Jesus, hath openly confessed Thee, the ever- 
lasting God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Graciously 
accept liim, and forgive liim all liis sins; mercifully 
defend liim against all temptations; and grant liim 
everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our 
Lord. Amen. 

Most merciful God, who according to the multitude 
of Thy mercies dost so put away the sins of those who 
truly repent that Thou rememberest them no more, 
open Thine eye of mercy upon this Thy servant who 
earnestly desireth pardon and forgiveness. And for- 
asmuch as lie trusteth only in the righteousness and 
promise of Thy Son Jesus Christ, impute not unto Ifiim 
his former sins, but accept Mm as righteous in Thy 
sight, and strengthen and endue him plenteously with 
every grace by Thy blessed Spirit. Create in him a 
clean heart and renew a right spirit within him, and 
restore whatever may have been decayed by the snares 
of Satan or by his own carnal will and frailness. 
Assuage his pain, comfort his heart, as shall seem to 
Thee most expedient for him. And when Thou art 
pleased to take him hence, take him into Thy favor, 
through the merits of Thy most dearly beloved Son, 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



— 31 — 

Lord Jesiis Christy who hast said: ^^Come unto 
me, all ve that labor and are heavy laden, and I will 
give yon rest/^ upon this Thy promise we make onr 
supplications to Thee for onr afflicted irotlier, Thon 
Lamb of God^ have mercy npon him and take away 
the heavy burden of Ms sin. Interpose Thine atoning 
sacrifice between liis sins and the righteous wrath of 
God, that where sin abounded grace may much more 
abound. Deal not with liim as lie hath deserved, but 
make intercession for him, and let him find throuoii 
Thee the wav to the Father and thus obtain ever! as tin o; 
life. Amen. 

merciful Lord Jesus, who, when hanging on the 
cross, didst open the gates of Paradise to the penitent 
thief, and hast assured us in Thy holy Word that the 
pra3'er of faith shall save the sick, and if he have com- 
mitted sins, they shall be forgiven him : we beseech 
Thee, look down in tender compassion on him who now 
calleth upon Thee from /it's bed of suffering and pain. 
Hear his cry, Lord, and take away his sins. Wash 
him in Thy most precious blood. Tholi who didst come 
to seek and to save that which was lost, and who dost 
save unto the uttermost all who come unto God bv 
Thee, suffer him not to sink into the pains of eternal 
death, but encircle him with the arms of Thy pardon- 
ing love, and say unto him: ^^Be of good cheer; thy 
sins are forgiven thee.^' Hear us, merciful Savior, 
who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and 
reignest, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 



Lord Jesus Christ, mv own and best Phvsician, 
I come to Thee in this my sickness and call upon Thee 
in mine affliction. Eemember me graciously, Christ, 



— 32 — 

and forgive the sins by which I have merited this chas- 
tisement. Enter not into judgment with me as I have- 
deserved. Turn away Thine anger from me^, and 
through the power of Thy Holy Spirit I will keep my- 
self from sin and amend my life. Amen. 



Lord Grod, heavenly Father^ I humbly confess before- 
Thee that I have not onlv been conceived and born in 
sin^ but that throughout my life I have greatly offended 
against Thee by sinful thoughts and desires and by evil 
words and deeds. But^ Lord, Avith a contrite heart 
and in true faith I pray Thee, graciously forgive me- 
all my sin; let Thy strength be made perfect in my 
weakness; and grant me comfort, amendment, and 
patience; for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thj^ Son, our 
Lord. Amen. ^ 

Almighty God and Father, because of. sin Thou ap- 
pointest over men all manner of diseases that they may 
not perish with the world. I come unto Thee with 
the burden of my sins by which I have deserved not 
only this sickness, but even eternal damnation. I am 
by nature a child of wrath and a bondman of sin and 
have never spent a day without innumerable transgres- 
sions of all Thy commandments. I seek refuge in Thy 
boundless mercy. Enter not into judgment with me,, 
for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. Ee- 
member not the sins of my youth, nor my transgres- 
sions, but for Thy name^s sake pardon mine iniquity, 
for it is great. Eemove Tlw stroke away from me, and 
hearken unto the voice of my cry; hold not Thy peace- 
at my tears ! Spare me that I may recover strength 
before I go hence and be no more. Affectionate Father,., 



— 33 — 

behold^ for peace I have great bitterness; in love de- 
liver my soul from the pit of corruption^ and cast all 
mv sins behind Thv back. Consider also mv bodily 
afHiction^ and take it awa}% or alleviate it by Thy com- 
fort. Give me patience^ help me to bear my cross, or 
save me under it. Th}- will be done ! Do with me, 
God, as seemeth good nnto Thee ! I am Thine, in 
Thee I would remain. Amen. 

For Persons Troubled in Conscience. 

blessed Lord, the Father of mercies and the God 
of all comfort, we beseech Thee, look down in pity and 
compassion upon this Thine afflicted servant. Thou 
writest bitter things against liim, and makest Ifiim to 
possess liis former iniquities; Thy wrath lieth hard 
upon liim, and liis soul is full of trouble. But, merci- 
ful God, who hast written Thv holv Word for our 
learning that we, through patience and comfort of Thy 
Holy Scriptures, might have liope : give liim a right 
understanding of himself and of Thy threats and prom- 
ises that he mav neither cast awav his confidence in 
Thee, nor place it anywhere but in Thee. Teach him 
that, where sin aboundeth, grace doth much more 
abound. Open Ids eyes to behold the glories of Thy 
mercv in Christ, the Lamb of God that taketh awav the 
sin of the world. Break not the bruised reed, nor quench 
the smoking flax. Suffer not his faith to fail, but give 
him strength against all his temptations, deliver him 
from his perplexity and distress, and comfort him with 
the all-sufficient atonement of Thv Son. Make him to 
hear of joy and gladness, lift up the light of Thy coun- 
tenance upon hi^n, and give him peace, through the 

merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 
3 



34 



Submission and Trust. 

We hiimbl}^ beseech Thee^ Father^ mercifully look 
upon our infirmities and, for the glory of Thy name's 
sake, turn from ns all those evils that we most right- 
eously have deserved, and grant that in all our troubles 
we may put our whole trust and confidence in Thy 
mercy, and evermore serve Thee in holiness and pure- 
ness of living to Th}" honor and glory, through our only 
Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



Merciful and gracious God, who dealest wonderfully 
with Thy saints and deliverest them in due season, 
though Thy help tarry for a time that our faith may 
be tried, and our hope increased and made sure by pa- 
tience and experience : bow down Thine ear to our sup- 
plication, and grant us Thy Holy Spirit that, continu- 
ing instant in prayer, with full assurance of hope, we 
may patiently wait for Thy promised help; through 
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 



almighty and everlasting God, a Comforter of 
all that mourn, a strength to them that have no might, 
we beseech Thee, hide not Thv face from them that are 
in distress, temptation, sickness, and anguish, but gra- 
ciously incline Thine ear to hear their sighs and fervent 
prayers, that every one may know and experience Thy 
powerful help in time of need; through Jesus Christ, 
Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 



Almighty God, the Eefuge of all that are distressed, 
grant unto us that in all trouble of this our mortal life 
we may flee to the knowledge of Thy loving-kindness 



— 35 — 

and tender merc% that so, sheltering ourselves therein, 
the storms may pass over us and not shake the peace of 
God that is within us. Whatsoever this life mav brins: 
us, grant that it may never take from us the full faith 
that Thou art our Father. Grant us Thy light that we 
ma}^ have life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



Almighty God, Lord of the storm and of the calm, 
the vexed sea and the cjuiet haven, of day and of night, 
of life and of death, grant unto us so to have our 
hearts staved upon Thy faithfulness. Thine imchan- 
gingness and love, that, whatsoever betide us, however 
black the cloud or dark the night, with quiet faith, 
trusting in Thee, we may look upon Thee with un- 
troubled eye and, walking in lowliness towards Thee and 
in lovingness towards one another, abide all storms and 
troubles of this mortal life, ])eseeching Thee that they 
mav turn to the souFs true ofood. We ask it for Thv 
niercv^s sake shown in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



Almighty and most merciful Father, in whom we 
live and move and have our being, to whose tender com- 
passion we owe our safety in days past, together with 
all the comforts of this present life and the hopes of . 
that which is to come : we praise Thee, we worship Thee, 
we give thanks to Thee; and we beseech Thee, grant 
that Jesus, our Lord, the hope of glory, may be formed 
in us in all humility, meekness, patience, contentedness, 
and absolute surrender of our souls and bodies to Thv 
holy will and pleasure. Leave us not, nor forsake us, 
but conduct us safe through all changes of our con- 
dition here, in an unchana'eable love to Thee and in 



— 36 — 

holy tranquillit}' of mind in Thy love to us^ till we 
come to dwell with Thee and rejoice in Thee forever. 
Amen. 

everlastings mercifnl God and Father, Thou 
holdest in Thy hand life and death and dost so encom- 
pass ns with Thy continual care that without Thy will 
not one hair falleth from onr head and all our expe- 
riences on earth work together for our good. But as 
Thou visitest us also with bodily infirmity and distress, 
we beseech Thee to grant us the grace of Thy Holy 
Spirit that from Thy fatherly correction we may know 
Thy righteousness and goodness. By our manifold sins 
we have richlj^ deserved all our afflictions. Yet this 
Thy gracious visitation is not a mark of Thine anger, 
but a token of Thv fatherlv love. Thou dost chastise 
US that we ma}' not be condemned together with the 
wicked world. heavenly Father, graciously forgive 
us all our sins for the sake of the bitter suffering and 
death of Thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and 
Eedeemer. Grant us patience and sure confidence in 
Thy mercy, lighten the cross which Thy hand hath laid 
upon us, and turn the same to the glory of Thy holy 
name and our souFs salvation, through Jesus Christ, 
Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 



Everlasting God, merciful Father, w^ho tenderly 
carest for us in our need and sorrow and gavest Thy 
Son to be tempted in all points like as we are, yet with- 
out sin, that we might have a faithful High Priest who 
can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities : we, 
Thv children, beseech Thee for our afflicted brother, 
who lieth imder Th}^ mighty hand, that Thou wouldst 



— 37 — 

not enter into judgment with him for Ms sins, but 
strengthen and comfort liim hx Thy Holy Spirit in 
faith and patience^ that his sickness may be to Thy 
glory and the salvation of his soul; through Jesus 
Christy the heavenly Physician, our Brother and Lord. 
Amen. 

God, mv Lord and mv Father, come now and 
comfort mv soul that I mav know Thee as mv Eefuo'e 
and Strength^ and may not be wanting Thy divine help 
and protection in these days of trouble. I trust in Thee; 
let me not be ashamed I Into Thv hands I commend 
mv soul ; deliver me. Lord. Thou faithful God ! 
Amen. 

Lord Jesus, who hast made it mv lot to bear the 
cross, give me also an obedient and submissive heart 
that I may joyfully take Thy yoke upon me and will- 
inoflv follow Thee in everv affliction. Amen. 



Lord God, heavenly Father, if it please Thee to visit 
me with bodily infirmities, here I am. I know Thou 
art kind and gracious and wilt not suffer anything to 
come upon me except for my good and blessing. Grant 
that I mav risrhtlv receive Thv visitation, and that 
mv sickness mav be to Thine honor and o-lorv; throuoii 
Jesus Christ, mv Lord and Savior. Amen. 



My Eefuge and my Lord, I believe and hope in 
Thee. Do with me what pleaseth Thee, for I am Thine. 
Mv times are in Thv hand. Let Thv will be done, not 

^ t-' t- ' 

what I will, but what Thou wilt. Henceforth even for- 
ever I cast all my care upon Thee: for I know that 



— 38 — 

Thou carest for me, yea, even for me. Hide me imcler 
the shadow of Thv wino^s ! I will wait in silence for 
Th}^ salvation, my God, and I will love Thee with 
mv whole heart. Amen. 



Lord, let me not henceforth desire health or life, 
except to spend them for Thee, with Thee, and in Thee. 
Thoii alone knowest what is good for me ; do, therefore, 
what seemeth Thee best. Give to me, or take from me; 
conform my will to Thine ; and grant that, with hnmble 
and perfect submission and in holy confidence, I may 
receive the dispensations of Thine eternal providence 
and may eqnallj^ adore all that cometh to me from Thee ; 
through Jesus Christ, onr Lord. Amen. 



Lord, Thon knowest what is best for us; let this 
or that be done as Thou wilt please. Give what Thou 
wilt, and how much Thou wilt, and when Thou wilt. 
Deal with me as Thou thinkest good and as best pleaseth 
Thee. Behold, I am Thy servant, prepared for all 
things, for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto 
Thee, and would that I could do it worthily and per- 
fectly. Eenew and strengthen me to this end by Thy 
Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, my Lord. 
Amen. 

Lord Jesus Christ, give me at all times a patient 
spirit, willing and ready to wait and pray, that I may 
not be weary of Thy chastening, but cast my burden 
upon Thee with all cheerfulness and confidence, and ever 
hope the best from Thee, who livest and reignest, with 
the Father and the Holy Ghost, forever and ever. Amen. 



— 39 — 

merciful God^ be Tlioii now unto me a strong tower 
of defense^ I humbly entreat Thee. Give me grace to 
await Thy leisure and patiently to bear what Thou 
doest unto me^ nothing doubting or mistrusting Thy 
goodness towards me, for Thou knowest what is good 
for me better than I do. Therefore do with me in all 
things what Thou wilt; only arm me, I beseech Thee, 
with Thine armor that I may stand fast, above all things 
taking to me the shield of faith, praying always that 
I may refer myself wholly to Thy will, abiding^ Thy 
pleasure, and comforting myself in those troubles Avhich 
it shall please Thee to send me, seeing such troubles 
are j^rofitable for me. And I am assuredly persuaded 
that all Thou doest cannot but be well; and unto Thee 
be all honor and glory. Amen. 



Most merciful and gracious Father, I bless and mag- 
nify Thy name that Thou hast adopted me into the 
inheritance of sons and hast given me a portion of my 
elder Brother. Thou who art the God of patience and 
consolation, streno-then me that I may bear the yoke 
and burden of the Lord without any uneasy and useless 
murmurs and ineffective unwillingness. Lord, I am 
imable to stand imder the cross, unable of myself; but 
be Thou pleased to ease this load by fortifying my spirit 
that I may be strongest when I am weakest, and may 
be able to do and suffer everything that Thou pleasest, 
through Christ who strengtheneth me. Let me pass 
through the valley of tears and the valley of the shadow 
of death with safety and peace, with a meek spirit, and 
a sense of the divine mercies, through Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



— 40 — 

Lord God^ heavenly Father^ give me to know and 
believe that without Thy will nothing can befall me in 
this world but what Thou^ in Thy gracious providence, 
hast ordained for our welfare and salvation. Inasmuch, 
then, as it is Thy good pleasure that we must through 
much tribulation enter into Thy kingdom, I beseech 
Thee, enable me to bear patiently and obediently the 
cross which Thou hast been pleased to lay upon me. 
Let not affliction and temptation remove Thy fear from 
my heart, cause my faith to waver, or arouse rebellious 
murmurings within me. In this sickness, which I have 
richly deserved by my sins, comfort me with the abound- 
ing merits of Thy dear Son, and give me assurance that 
my trespasses are forgiven and I am Thy child in Christ 
Jesus. Strengthen me, in my pain and anguish, with 
Thy Holy Spirit that I may not employ forbidden, un- 
godly means for my recovery, but let me patiently wait 
upon Thee and continue steadfast in faith, in the con- 
fession of Thy name, and in prayer, that so even these 
my sufferings may work together for my good. Lord, 
if it so please Thee and be good and expedient for me, 
relieve my pains and restore me to health, for with Thee 
nothing is impossible. Eenew my strength, that I may 
continue longer in Thy praise and service. But I com- 
mit all to Thee. If it be Thy will, let this cup pass 
from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt. 
Only grant that my weakness ma}^ have a blessed end, 
and do Thou lead me in the appointed hour out of all 
earthly sorrow into Thine eternal heavenly joys, for the 
sake of Jesus Christ, mv onlv Eedeemer. Amen. 



gracious God, merciful Father, I acknowledge and 
confess that this illness has come upon me by reason of 



— 4:1 — 

my many and grievous transgressions; and if Thou 
■shouldst deal with me aecordino; to mv sins, I should 
he lost forever. But I sincerely repent of them and long 
for Thv s^race in Thv dear Son Jesus Christ. Have 
mercy upon me^ therefore, and, as Thou hast promised, 
forsrive me all mv sins. Direct the outcome of mv sick- 
ness according to Thy counsel for Thy glory and my 
salvation. Give me faith and patience in my affliction. 
If it be Thy will that I shall not rise again from this 
sickbed, grant me in mercy a blessed end. If Thou 
shalt be pleased to restore me to health, enable me hence- 
forth by Thy grace to flee and avoid sin, lest worse 
befall me. Let me so live bv faith that in all thinofs I 
may please Thee and continue in Thy grace and favor, 
here in time and hereafter in eternitv, throua'h Jesus 
Christ, mv Savior. Amen. 



Almighty God, the Father of mercies and the God 
of all consolation, our only help in time of need, we flee 
unto Thee for succor in this season of tribulation and 
distress. Out of the deeps we call unto Thee, Lord. 
Lord, hear our voice ! let Thine ears consider well 
the cause of our complaint. 

We acknowledge, God, that for our iniquities we 
are visited, and for our sins are we troubled. We are 
born to trouble as the sparks fly upward, because we 
have been transgressors from the womb. And if Thou 
shouldst be extreme to mark what we have done amiss, 
our present sorrows would be only the beginning of sor- 
rows which should know no end. Wherefore should a 
living man complain? a man for the punishment of 
his sins? 

But Thou art gracious and merciful, full of com- 



— 42 — 

passion and of great goodness. Thou hast not dealt 
with ns according to onr sins^ nor rewarded ns accord- 
ing to onr iniquities. Blessed be Thy name that Thon^ 
not only hast opened unto us a way of escape from the 
wrath to come, but hast mercifully ordained the suffer- 
ings of the present life to work together for good to 
them that love Thee. 

Thy wise providence ordaineth all things both in 
heaven and earth. ISTot a sparrow f alleth to the ground 
without Thy knowledge and appointment^ and the very 
hairs of our head are all numbered. Thou assurest us 
that Thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children 
of men^ but for their profit^ that they may be partakers 
of Thy holiness. AVhom Thou lovest Thou chastenest^ 
and scourgest every son whom Thou receivest. 

Thou afflictest us to himible us^ and to prove us^ 
and to know what is in our hearts, and whether we will 
love Thee and keep Tlw commandments, or no. 

Give us grace, therefore, to consider in this day of 
our adversity wherefore Thou contendest with us and 
art wroth. Let us not despise Thy chastening, nor faint 
when w^e are rebuked of Thee, nor be weary of Thy 
correction. But let us be still, and know that Thou art 
God. In patience enable us to possess our souls. Grant 
that our tribulation may work patience; and patience, 
experience; and experience, hope; and our hope, let 
it not make ashamed, but let Thy love be shed abroad 
in our hearts through the Holy Ghost given unto us. 
Let us not cast awa}^ our confidence, which hath great 
recompense of reward. Though troubled on every side, 
let us not be distressed; though j)erplexed, let us not 
be in despair ; though cast dowm, let us not be destroyed. 
And be pleased to cause our light afflictions, which are 



— 43 — 

.but for a moment^ to work out for us a far more ex- 
ceeding and eternal weight of giory^ while we look not 
at the things that are seen^ but at the things which are 
not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, 
but the things which are not seen are eternal. Though 
no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but 
grievous, yet afterwards let it yield the peaceable fruit 
of righteousness unto us who are now exercised thereby. 
Grant that we may find it good to be afflicted, and see 
that Thou, of very faithfulness, hast caused us to be 
in trouble. And whenever it may please Thee to deliver 
us out of the miseries of this sinful world, of Thv 
gracious goodness receive us into that blessed kingdom 
where Thou shalt wipe away all tears from our eyes, 
Avhere there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor 
crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the 
former things are passed away. Hear us for Jesus 
Christ^s sake ! Amen. 

The Prospect of Death. 

Almio'htv and everlasting' God, who art able to wound 
and to heal, to kill and to make alive, and in time past 
didst hear the j)rayer of Hezekiah and lengthen his life 
when he was sick unto death: we call upon Thee for 
this sick hroilier whose strength is all but consumed. 
If it be profitable for liim, graciously restore Mm to 
health and vigor that lie may henceforth live by Thy 
grace, and in all things seek to do Thy will. If, how- 
ever, in Thy wise and good providence. Thou art pleased 
to call liim out of this vale of sorrows. Thy will be 
done. Only, we pray Thee, give liim true faith and 
Christian patience unto the end, and let him experi- 
ence Thine abundant heavenly consolations in Ms final 



— 44 — 

conflict. Grant him a blessed departure and, on the 
last great day, the resurrection unto eternal life, for 
the sake of the bitter suffering, innocent death, and 
glorious resurrection of Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, 
our Lord. Amen. 

Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our 
only help in time of need, we fly unto Thee for succor 
in behalf of this Thy servant, here lying under Thy 
hand in great weakness of body. Look graciously upon 
him, Lord; and the more the outward man decayeth, 
strengthen him, we beseech Thee, so much the more 
continually with Thy grace and Holy Spirit in the 
inner man. Give him unfeigned repentance for all the 
errors of his life past, and steadfast faith in Thy Son 
Jesus, that his sins may be done away by Thy mercy 
and his pardon sealed in heaven before he go hence and 
be no more seen. We know, Lord, that there is no 
word impossible with Thee, and that, if Thou wilt. 
Thou canst even yet raise him up and grant him a 
longer continuance amongst us. Yet, forasmuch as in 
all appearance the time of his dissolution draweth near, 
so fit and prepare him, we beseech Thee, against the 
hour of death that, after his departure hence in peace 
and in Thv favor, his soul mav be received into Thine 
everlasting kingdom ; through the merits and media- 
'tion of' Jesus Christ, Thine onlv Son, our Lord and 
Savior. Amen. 

Lord, heavenly Father, who art a faithful God 
and sufferest not any one to be tempted above that lie 
is able to bear, but with the temptation also makest a 
way of escape that he may be able to bear it : we be- 



— 45 — 

seech Thee for our sick brother in his great affliction 
and pain that Thou wouldst not suffer the cross to be 
too heavy upon him. Strengthen him that he may bear 
it with patience and nevermore despair of Thy mercy. 

Christy Thou Son of the living God^ who- didst 
bear for him the pain of the cross and die for his sins^ 
have mercy upon him, forgive him all his trespasses^ 
and suffer not his faith to fail. 

God the Holy Ghost, our true Comforter in all 
distress, uphold him in patience and right prayer, sane- 
tifv him with full assurance, and forsake him not in 
the last extremitv. Lead Thou him from this world of 
sorrow to the heavenlv home. Amen. 



Lord, teach me to consider that I must die, and 
that here I have no continuing city. Make me mindful 
of the shortness and vanitv of mv life that I mav think 
much upon mine end, and live and die in this world,, 
not to myself, but to Thee, that so in cheerful faith I 
may look for the day of my departure and the appearing 
of Thv Son Jesus Christ, and hasten unto the same bv 
a holy walk and a godly life, through Jesus Christ, my 
Lord and Savior. x\men. 



Almighty, everlasting, and most merciful God, Thou 
who dost summon and take us out of this sinful and 
corrupt world to Th5'Self through death that we may 
not perish by continual sinning, but pass through death 
to life eternal : help us, we beseech Thee, to know and 
believe this with our whole heart, to the end that we 
may rejoice in our departure, and at Thy call cheer- 
fully enter into Thine everlasting kingdom, through 
Jesus Christ, Thv Son, our Lord. Amen. 



— 46 — 

Lord Jesus^ since Thou hast hidden from me the 
day and hour when I shall be called away from earth, 
teach me to be ready at every moment that I may 
willingly leave this w^orld, depart in peace, and with 
Thee. and all the elect keep the Sabbath of eternal rest: 
Thou, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest 
and reignest, world without end. Amen. 



And now, Lord, what is my hope? Truly, my hope 
is even in Thee. Though I walk through the valley of 
the shadow of death, yet I will fear no evil. Lord, 
Thou knowest whereof we are made; Thou rememberest 
that we are but dust. I am Thine ; oh, save me ! Be- 
hold, Lord, I am Thy servant ; Thine unprofitable 
servant, yet Thy servant; Thy lost prodigal child, yet 
Thy child. Into Thy hands I commend myself as unto 
a faithful Creator. Lord, I am created in Thine own 
image. Suffer not Thine own image to be utterly de- 
faced, but renew it again in righteousness and true holi- 
ness. Into Thy hands I commend myself, for Thou hast 
redeemed me. Thou God of truth. Amen. 



Help, Lord Jesus Christ, that, in this my last 
extremity, I may joyfully overcome by Thy grace. Up- 
hold me in true faith, and comfort me with Thy Spirit 
when my end shall come that even in death I may not 
be severed from Thee. Lord, to Thee I commend my 
soul Avhich Thou hast purchased with Thy precious 
blood. Amen. 

Thou ever faithful God, shorten to me the- agonies 
of death, and vouchsafe a peaceful and happy end, ac- 



— 47 — 

cording to Thy loving-kindnesses as they have been e^'er 
of old^ that I may thank and praise Thee for Thy mercy 
forever and ever. Amen. 



Lord Jesus Christy I am baptized into Thy death 
and will gladly die^ knowing that^ as I have been a 
partaker of Thy sufferings I shall also be glorified with 
Thee. As Thou, Lord, upon the cross didst pray Thy 
Father to forgive Thine enemies, even so I forgive all 
that have trespassed against me that my trespasses may 
be forgiven. Do not forsake me in the agonies of death ! 
Into Thv hands I commend mv soul. Amen. 



Father of all mercies, have mercy upon me while 
the terrors of death are all about me : suffer me not 
to be tempted above that I am able to bear: despise 
not Th}' handiwork, for in Thee do I put my trust, 
Thou art my helj) and my God. 

Christ, who art the Lamb of God that taketh 
away the sin of the world, and hast washed and cleansed 
me b}^ Thy blood, have mercy upon me in the hour of 
my departure, and lead me to the life everlasting ! 

God the Holv Ghost, Thou heavenlv Comforter, 
defend and strengthen my heart against all the wiles 
of the wicked foe that I mav firmlv believe in the for- 
giveness of sin and depart upon the far journey in 
peace. 

Holy Trinity, I commend mv soul into Thv 
hands ; Thou hast redeemed me, Thou faithful God, 
who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen. 



almighty and everlasting God, who art merciful 
and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness 



■ _- 4S — 

and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniq- 
uit}" and transgression and sin: I call upon Thee,. 
Thou wouldst graciously forgive me all my sins and 
strengthen and keep my soul against every temptation. 
Help me that ni)^ faith may not waver, my hope may 
not falter, and I may not despair amidst the terrors- 
of death. And when my last hour is at hand, let me 
depart in peace; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation 
which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people,, 
a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy 
people Israel. In this my Savior I believe, I hope 
and trust in Him. Lord, let me not be ashamed, but 
look upon me with the eyes of Thy compassion and 
favor, for the sake of the innocent suffering and death 
of TliA' Son Jesus Christ, our onlv Savior. Amen. 



Thou most loving God and faithful Father, I 
thank Thee most heartilv for all the mercies and all 
the truth which Thou hast shown unto Thy servant. 
Be merciful unto me, poor sinner, in my last hour I 
Cast all my sin into the depth of the sea of Thine un- 
fathomable mercy, and remember not mine iniquities. 
Despise not the broken and contrite heart which I bring 
unto Thee ! Cast me not away from Thy presence, and 
take not Thy Holy Spirit from me! Let the blood of 
Th}^ Son, Jesus Christ, cleanse me from all sin. Inta 
Thy hands I commend my spirit. 

my dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I praise 
Thee for Thine unspeakable love with which Thou hast 
embraced me all the days of my life, for Thy bitter pas- 
sion and pains of death which Thou didst suffer for 
me. I cast myself into Thine arms and cling to Thy 
precious merit. I will not let Thee go except Thorn 



— 49 — 

bless me. In Thee do I trust ; let me not l^e ashamed ! 
Into Thy hands I commend mv si^irit ; Thon hast re- 
deemed me^ Thon faithful God ! Let Th}^ gracions face 
shine upon me^ and let Th}^ wonnds plead for me ! I 
tnrn nnto Thee^ Lord, alone; grant me a blessed 
end ! Send Thy holv ansrels to carry me into life eternal 
which Thon hast bought for me with Thy suffering 
and death. 

Thou Comforter, God Holy Ghost, I praise Thee 
for the merciful blessings which Thou hast shown unto 
me, a poor sinner; for the faithful assistance with 
which Thou hast preseryed me; for the sweet comfort 
with which Thou hast refreshed me. I pray Thee, for 
Jesus' sake, bless me in my djdng hour ! Be Thou my 
strength in my Ayeakness, my comforter in temptation, 
my life in death ! Cr}^ Thou in my heart, Abba, Father ! 
Come, lead me out of this yale of tears; open unto 
m}' soul the gates of heayen; let me depart in peace 
in Jesus' wounds; and though I walk through the 
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no eyil; for 
Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they com- 
fort me. 

Thou Holy Triune God, my Creator, Eedeemer, 
Comforter, receiye me, for Jesus' sake ! Amen. 

The Hour of Departure. 

Thouoh He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. Job 
13, 15. 

Yea, though I walk through the yalley of the shadow 
of death, I will fear no eyil; for Thou art with me. 
Ps. 23, 4. 

My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the 

strength of my heart and my portion foreyer. Ps. 73, 26. 
4. "^ 



— 50 — 

Have mercy upon me, God, according to Thy 
loving-kindness; according unto the multitude of Thy 
tender mercies blot out my transgressions! Ps. 51, 1. 

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white 
as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall 
be as wool. Is. 1, 18. 

Behold the Lamb of God which taketh awav the sin 
of the world! John 1, 29. 

God so loved the Avorld that He gave His only-be- 
gotten Son, that whosoever belie veth in Him should not 
perish, but have everlasting life. John 3, 16. 

The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us 
from all sin. 1 John 1, 7. 

Lord, I believe ; help Thou mine unbelief ! Mark 

God, be merciful to me, a sinner ! Luke 18, 13. 
Lord, save me ! Matt. 14, 30. 



Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, 
according to Thy Word, for mine eyes have seen Thy 
salvation. Luke 2, 29. 30. 

Lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth 
nigh! Luke 21, 28. 

Verilv, I sav unto thee, To-dav shalt thou be with 
me in paradise. Luke 23, 43. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee 
a crown of life. Eev. 2, 10. 

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! Acts 7, 59. 

Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke 
23, 46. 

Lord Jesus, be gracious unto me^ have mercy 
upon me, and preserve me by Thy precious blood ! Take 



— 51 — 

me unto Thee in Thy eternal kmgclom ! Into Thy 
hands I commend my spirit. Help me through Thy 
mercy ! Amen. 

Almighty and eternal God, have compassion on the 
sighs and groanings of this dying brother, and receive 
him into Thy kingdom which Thon hast in mercy pre- 
pared for him and all believers from the beginning of 
the world. Gracionslv release him, Lord, and com- 
fort liim eternally with the elect, through Jesus C^hrist, 
Thv dear Son, our Lord. Amen. 



Almio'htv, eternal God, heavenlv Father, comfort 
and strengthen this Thy servant^ and save him through 
Thy goodness; deliver him from all anguish and dis- 
tress; release him in Thy grace^ and take him imto 
Thee in Thy kingdom, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear 
Son^ our only Lord and Savior. Amen. 



Lord God, our heavenlv Father, we heartilv be- 
seech Thee to regard this sick person with an eye of 
compassion; suffer liim not to be overwhelmed by any 
pains of body or any anguish of soul, but grant unto 
him in this world Thy pardon and peace, and in the 
world to come life everlasting, through the abounding 
merits and the glorious mediation of Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Amen. 

Almighty and most merciful God, who upholdest 
our life in the midst of death, we beseech Thee, look 
in mercy upon this Thy servant and forgive him all 
liis sins. 11 Q was baptized in Christ's name and cleansed 
with His blood; do Thou, therefore, accept the inno- 



— 52 — 

cent death of TI13' dear Son as the atoning sacrifice 
for Ms transgressions. Deliver Mm also from Ms bodily 
distress and pain^ shorten Ms sufferings^ and sustain 
Mm against the accusations of conscience and the as- 
saults of the wicked one^ that lie may fight the good 
fight of faith and overcome. Grant Mm a blessed de- 
parture unto everlasting life^ and send Thy holy angels 
to accompan}^ Mm to the general assembly of the elect 
in Christ Jesns^ onr Lord. Amen. 



Almighty and most merciful God, we commend the 
spirit of this onr dear 'brother into Thy hands as into 
the hands of a faithful Creator and most merciful 
Savior, beseeching Thee that Ms soul may be precious 
in Thy sight. Wash Mm, we pray Thee, in the blood 
of the Lamb that was slain to take awaj^ the sin of the 
world. Do Thou purge away and blot out all Ms sins. 
Eeceive Mm to Thy mercy, vouchsafe to Mm a quiet 
passage, and guide Mm through the valley of the shadow 
of death; place Mm. in the habitations of light and 
peace, in the company of Thy saints and faithful people 
who are gone before; with them vouchsafe unto Mm 
Thy peace, and make Mm partaker of the inheritance 
of the saints in light, there to praise Thee in glory and 
blessedness forever and ever. Amen. 



Depart in peace, thou ransomed soul, in the name 
of God the Father Almighty who created thee; in the 
name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, who 
redeemed thee; in the name of the Holy Ghost who 
sanctified thee. Enter now into Mount Zion, the City 
of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to. the in- 
numerable company, of angels, and to the general as- 



— 53 — 

sembly and church of the first-born which are written 
in heaven. The Lord preserve tliy going out and thy 
coming in^ from this time f orth^ even for evermore ! 
Amen. 

God the Father^ Father of the s|)irits of all men; 
God the Son, who hast washed awav our sins bv Thy 
own blood and bv Thv resurrection hast brouoiit life 
and immortality to liofht: God the Holy Ghost, Ee- 
generator^ Sanctifier, and Comforter of Thy saints : 
have compassion now^ we beseech Thee^ upon the low 
estate of Thy servant Ivins: in the extremity of sickness. 
We commend unto Thee his soul as into the hands of 
a faithful Creator and most faithful Savior. Wash 
him in the blood of the Lamb from all guilt. Though 
his flesh and his heart faileth, be Thou the strength of 
his heart and his portion forever. Give Thy peace to 
him, and let not his heart be troubled, neither let it 
be afraid. Having gone and prepared a place for liim, 
come now again and receive him unto Thyself that 
where Thou art he mav be also. — And oTaciouslv com- 
fort us who mourn. Silence the murmurings of our 
rebellious hearts. Enable us to sav with Thv servant 
of old : ^^The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken 
awav ; blessed be the name of the Lord.^^ Make us 
mindful of our own mortality, and teach us so to nuni- 
ber our days that we mav seriously apply our hearts 
to that heavenly wisdom which mav in the end brins: 
us to life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, 
Thine only Son, our Lord. Amen. 



We thank Thee, Lord Jesus, Thou Prince of Life, 
that Thou hast kept this our brothei^ steadfast in true 
repentance and faith, and hast granted him a blessed 



— 54 — 

end. N^ow he is at liome, and present with the Lord. 
All liis sorrows are passed. God hath wiped away all 
tears from Ms eves. Everlasting joy and gladness shall 
be on Ms head; and sorrow and sighing are fled away. 
Comfort ns^ Lord^ who are still in this vale of tears. 
Help ns, Christ, to bear in patience to the end the 
burdens and trials of our earthly pilgrimage. Enable 
ns to follow our Ijrotliers faith and to stand ever readv, 
that, when our last hour shall come, we mav also cease 
from our labor, depart in peace, and enter into Thy 
heavenly rest; Thou, who livest and reignest with 
the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world 
w^ithout end. Amen. 

The j)eace of the Lord be with us all. Amen. 

The Communion of the Sick. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst give Thine 
only Son into death for our sins, and through Him 
didst institute the holy sacrament of His body and 
blood for the strengthening of our faith, we call upon 
Thee in behalf of this our sick brother who desires to 
receive Holv Communion for a comfort in his affliction. 
Enlighten him by Thy Holy Spirit that he may rightly 
know and willingly confess his sins. Enable Mm also 
with true faith to embrace our only Mediator and Ee- 
deemer Jesus Christ that he may obtain both pardon 
and peace, and be prepared to partake worthily of Thy 
Holy Supper to his souPs health. Strengthen him 
throusrh this salutarv o^ift in faith towards Thee and 
in fervent love toward all men. Create in him a clean 



— oo — 

hearty and renew a right spirit within him ! Cause him 
also to recognize in this present visitation Thy fatherly 
hand that he may bear his cross in cheerful submission 
to Thy holy will; and do Thon deal with him accord- 
ing to Thine infinite mercy as Thon alone best knowest; 
for the sake of Thy dear Son^ Jesns Christy our Lord. 
Amen. 

Then may the Minister read a Psalm, e. g., 6; 25; 
32; 38; 42; 51; 71; 77; 102; 130; 143; adding thereto 
a suitable exhortation. 



The Confession. 

almighty God, merciful Father^, I^ a poor^ miser- 
able sinner^ confess unto Thee all nij sins and iniqui- 
ties with which I have ever offended Thee and justly 
deserved Thv punishment in time and in eternitv. But 
I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of 
them^ and I pray Thee, of Thy boundless mercy and 
for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter suffering and 
death of Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, to be gracious 
and merciful to me, a poor sinful being. Amen. 

Or: 

Dost thou humbly acknowledo^e and heartily lament 
thy sins? 
*^ Yes. 

Dost thou believe that God, thy. merciful Father, 
will, for the sake of Jesus Christ, thy Savior, pardon 
all thine offenses? 

Yes. 

Art thou resolved, should God prolong thy days, to 
lead the residue of thy life in His fear and to His glory ? 

Yes. 



— 56 — 

Absolution. 

Upon this tliY confession, 1, hj virtne of my ofHce. 
as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce 
nnto thee the grace of God, and in the stead and by 
the command of mv Lord Jesus Christ, I foro^ive thee 

V y CD 

all thy sins, in the name of God the Father, God the 
Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Or: 

Be it unto thee according to thy faith. And I, by 
the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, upon this thy 
confession, forgive thee all thy sins, in the name of God 
the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. 
Amen. 

Peace be with thee ! Amen. 

Our Father, v.dio art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy 
name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth 
as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; 
And forgive .us our trespasses as we forgive those who 
trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; 
But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He 
was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given 
thanks, He brake it, and gave it to His disciples, and 
•said. Take, eat; this is mv bodv which is 2:iven for vou: 
this do, in remembrance of me. 

After the same manner also He took the cup, when 
He had supped, gave thanks, and gave it to them, 
saying, Take, drink ye all of it; this cup is the new 
Testament in mv blood which is shed for vou for the 



— 57 — 

remission of sins : this do ve, as oft as ye drink it. in 
remembrance of me. 

Take and eat; this is the true bodv of onr Lord 
Jesus Christy given into death for thy sins: this 
strengthen and preserve thee in the true faith unto 
life eternal. Amen. 

Take and drink; this is the true blood of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, shed for the remission of thy sins; this 
strengthen and preserve thee in the true faith unto life 
eternal. Amen. 

Lord Jesus, mv Savior and onlv Eefuo'e. I o'ive 
Thee heartv thanks that Thou hast so srraciouslv re- 
freshed me with Thy holv body and blood. Abide with 
me with Thy grace that T may never faint. Grant that, 
when mv last hour shall come, I may fall asleep in firm 
faith in Thee and Thy holv blood, Thou, who livest 
and reignest, world without end. x\men. 

God, mv heavenly Father, I thank Thee that 
Thou hast refreshed me with the Holy Supper of my 
Savior. Give me grace to live the life which I now 
live in the flesh in the faith of Th)' dear Son. I com- 
mend my soul to Thee, most merciful God, my Creator ! 
Thou wilt not forsake me while I live in this world; 
Thou wilt in mercv remember all mv household; and 
when my last hour shall come. Thou wilt deliver me 
from all evil and receive me into Thv heavenly kino- 
dom. Cause now this heavenly food so to strengthen 
and keep me in faith and love, in patience and hope, 
that I may with childlike trust resis^n myself to Thy 
fatherly will, give praise to Thy holy name even amid 
trials and sufferino's, and. livino- or dvino' continue 
forever Thine in body and soul, throuo'h Jesus Christ, 
mv Savior. Amen. 



— 58 — 

The Lord bless tliee, and keep thee ! 

The Lord make His face shine upon thee^ and be 
gracious unto thee ! 

The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and 
give thee peace ! Amen. 



I 




i 



MAY 31 1912 



